OpenICE at Abrons: Ricefall(2) by Michael Pisaro

OpenICE aims to share the most essential elements of ICE’s creative process–creation, collaboration and performance–with a wider audience, through free concert and activity programming. On the heels of a blockbuster season of OpenICE programming, the musicians of ICE catalyze a flurry of activity as they take up residency at the Abrons Arts Center for the 2016-2017 season. OpenICE also invites the audience to be a part of the creative process through open rehearsals and discussions, where questions about the works and the collaborations will be welcome and encouraged. High quality documentation of OpenICE activities feed a growing online archive of HD content, which is free for all to explore on digitice.org. ICE is thrilled to team up with the Abrons Arts Center engagement staff to turn the building into an “open space” for sonic experimentation!

The 2016-17 OpenICE season launches September 16-18 with a celebration of new and different ways of performing and experiencing music. Percussionist Greg Stuart and his students from the University of South Carolina join ICE to present the World Premiere full performance of sound sculptor Michael Pisaro’s epic Ricefall(2), for grains of rice falling on objects. Pisaro’s music will continue to activate gallery spaces through performances by ICE violinist Erik Carlson. The weekend will culminate in a concert featuring new music by Icelandic composer Anna Thorvaldsdottir alongside master vocalist and improviser, Sofia Jernberg.